U.S. patent application number 10/304180 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for miniature finger ring vibrator.
Invention is credited to Klein, Eric A..
Application Number | 20030181835 10/304180 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32392425 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030181835 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein, Eric A. |
September 25, 2003 |
Miniature finger ring vibrator
Abstract
A miniature sexual aid device is embodied in a battery powered
electric vibrator which attaches to the user's finger. The sexual
aid device includes a vibration motor, a button cell battery, a
moisture resistant housing that contains the motor and battery, and
a strap or ring for attaching the device to the finger or to
another appendage. The motor is mounted transversely and
contiguously with the battery. The retaining ring or strap may be
offered in a variety of fixed sizes or may be adjustable to fit a
variety of finger sizes. The device is no larger than some jewelry
rings and may be shaped, colored, and ornamented to be worn on the
finger as jewelry.
Inventors: |
Klein, Eric A.; (Mountain
View, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas M. Freiburger
25th Fl.
650 California Street
San Francisco
CA
94108
US
|
Family ID: |
32392425 |
Appl. No.: |
10/304180 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60367106 |
Mar 25, 2002 |
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60367108 |
Mar 25, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
601/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 19/32 20130101;
A61H 19/30 20130101; A61H 2201/1604 20130101; A61H 2201/165
20130101; A61H 2201/1635 20130101; A61H 2205/067 20130101; A61H
19/34 20130101; A61H 19/50 20130101; A61H 19/40 20130101; A61H
23/0254 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
601/72 |
International
Class: |
A61H 023/02 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A miniature finger ring vibrator, comprising: a first housing, a
second housing, having a recess containing a battery, the first
housing being connected to the second housing, with the battery and
a vibrator motor contained by the two housings, electrical
connections within the two housings and connected to the vibrator
motor and to the battery, enabling the device to be turned on or
off to activate or deactivate the vibrator motor, by manipulation
of one housing relative to the other housing, and a band connected
to one of the housings and being configured to engage on a
finger.
2. The device as described in claim 1, wherein said one housing
comprises a ring crown generally in the shape of a gem-bearing
finger ring.
3. The device as described in claim 1, wherein the band comprises
an open band.
4. The device as described in claim 1, wherein the band comprises
an elastic securing strap.
5. The device as described in claim 1, wherein the band comprises
an elastomeric strap secured to one of the housings.
6. The device as described in claim 5, wherein the band comprises
an O-ring.
7. The device as described in claim 1, wherein the first housing
comprises an upper housing and includes a switch contact and
substantially contains the vibrator motor, wherein the second
housing comprises a lower housing and has a battery contact in
contact with the battery, and wherein the upper housing is
rotatable relative to the lower housing such as selectively to
place the switch contact in contact with the battery contact to
turn the device on.
8. A miniature vibrator for wearing on the human body, comprising:
a first housing, a second housing, having a recess containing a
battery, the first housing being connected to the second housing,
with the battery and a vibrator motor contained by the two
housings, electrical connections within the two housings and
connected to the vibrator motor and to the battery, enabling the
device to be turned on or off to activate or deactivate the
vibrator motor, by manipulation of one housing relative to the
other housing, and a band for attachment to an appendage of the
human body, secured to one of the housing.
9. The device as described in claim 8, wherein said one housing
comprises the second housing containing the battery.
10. The device as described in claim 8, in the general shape and
appearance of a gem-bearing ring.
11. The device as described in claim 8, wherein the band comprises
an elastomeric strap.
12. The device as described in claim 11, wherein the band comprises
and O-ring.
13. The device as described in claim 8, wherein the band comprises
a molded plastic buckle substantially integral with one of the
housings.
14. The device as described in claim 13, in the general shape and
appearance of a gem-bearing finger ring.
15. The device as described in claim 8, wherein the first housing
comprises an upper housing and includes a switch contact and
substantially contains the vibrator motor, wherein the second
housing comprises a lower housing and has a battery contact in
contact with the battery, and wherein the upper housing is
rotatable relative to the lower housing such as selectively to
place the switch contact in contact with the battery contact to
turn the device on.
16. A sexual aid device, comprising: a moisture resistant housing
containing a battery and a vibrator motor, electrical connections
between the battery and the vibrator motor and including an on-off
switch operable from outside the housing enabling the device to be
turned on or off to activate or deactivate the vibrator motor, a
band secured to the housing and appropriately sized to engage over
a selected human appendage, and the device being in the general
shape of a gem-bearing finger ring.
17. The device as described in claim 16, wherein the band comprises
an elastomeric band.
18. The device as described in claim 17, wherein the band comprises
an O-ring.
19. The device as described in claim 16, wherein the housing
comprises upper and lower connected housings, and wherein the lower
housing includes a pair of wings extending in opposed directions,
each with an opening sized to tightly receive a band when forced
into the opening, the band comprising an elastomeric, rubbery
band.
20. The device as described in claim 19, wherein the band is an
O-ring.
21. The device as described in claim 19, wherein the elastomeric
band comprises a strip of stretchable material with an enlargement
or knob at each end.
22. The device as described in claim 16, wherein the band comprises
a molded plastic buckle which has a pair of straps that connect
together, the molded plastic buckle being essentially integral with
the housing.
23. The device as described in claim 22, wherein the lower side of
the housing and the plastic buckle are of different materials
co-molded together.
24. The device as described in claim 16, wherein the band is sized
to closely fit over a finger.
25. The device as described in claim 16, wherein the band comprises
an elastomeric strap, sized to fit tightly over a human tongue to
retain the sexual aid on the tongue.
26. The device as described in claim 16, wherein the band comprises
a stretchable, rubbery elastomeric band sized to fit tightly over a
penis.
27. The device as described in claim 16 wherein the vibrator motor
is a pancake type motor and the battery is round and mounted
adjacent to and generally coaxially with the pancake type
motor.
28. A sexual aid device, comprising: a moisture resistant housing
containing a battery and a vibrator motor, the motor being mounted
transversely and contiguously with the battery, with electrical
connections between the battery and the vibrator motor and
including an on-off switch operable from outside the housing
enabling the device to be turned on or off to activate or
deactivate the vibrator motor, and a band secured to the housing
and appropriately sized to engage over a selected human
appendage.
29. The device as described in claim 28, wherein the band comprises
an elastomeric band.
30. The device as described in claim 29, wherein the band comprises
an O-ring.
31. The device as described in claim 28, wherein the housing
comprises upper and lower connected housings, and wherein the lower
housing includes a pair of wings extending in opposed directions,
each with an opening sized to tightly receive a band when forced
into the opening, the band comprising an elastomeric, rubbery
band.
32. The device as described in claim 31, wherein the band is an
O-ring.
33. The device as described in claim 31, wherein the elastomeric
band comprises a strip of stretchable material with an enlargement
or knob at each end.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims benefit of provisional Serial Nos.
60/367,106 and 60/367,108, both filed Mar. 25, 2002. This invention
relates to a vibrating sexual aid device, specifically to a
miniature device that attaches to a single finger of the hand or to
another body appendage.
[0002] Battery powered vibrating devices which attach to the hand
are well known. These known devices deliver strong vibration
suitable for muscle or gum massage.
[0003] The smallest known device appears to be a device 3 inches
long weighing more than 1 ounce. The relatively large size of these
devices have several disadvantages when used as sexual aids: they
interfere with normal use of the hand; they are "machine-like" and
can be obtrusive; the vibration is unnecessarily strong for sexual
stimulation and may cause numbness; it is impractical to wear more
than one on each hand. None of the known devices uses a
transversely mounted vibration motor contiguous with the
battery.
[0004] The known devices deliver vibration either by applying the
vibrating device directly to the area being vibrated or by
transmitting the vibration through the user's fingers to the area
being vibrated. These devices have the disadvantage that they are
suitable for use in only one mode; they cannot be used to deliver
vibration both by direct application of the device and by
transmitting the vibration through the user's finger.
[0005] Some of these devices have been described in prior art
patents. Examples of these patents include U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,203,509, 5,601,529, 5,519,292, 4,116,233, 3,623,481, 2,918,055,
2,350,817, and 2,286,089.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,509 describes a massaging device which
attaches to one finger of a user. This device is slightly wider
than the finger and approximately three times as long as its width.
The device includes a motor with unbalanced weight, housing, finger
engaging retainer and an attached panel which acts as the massaging
surface. Defining the front of the motor as the end from which the
shaft extends, the batteries are situated to the rear of (behind)
the motor. The finger contacts the opposite side of the device from
the massaging surface in such a way that the fingertip is covered,
precluding transmission of vibration through the finger.
[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,601,529 and 5,519,292 show finger massage
devices which are mounted on the hand and wrist of the user. Both
incorporate control enclosures which may be used to vary certain
parameters of the vibration including the intensity, frequency,
etc. Both devices transmit vibration through the fingers.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,233 describes a hand sized device and
has a handle to accommodate the hand of a user with the palm of the
hand on the housing. A motive device imparts vibration to a massage
ball. The massage ball applies vibration directly to the area being
vibrated.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,623,481 describes a gum massage implement
which attaches to one finger of a user. This device has a torpedo
shape with diameter greater than that of a finger and length more
than four times its diameter. The device includes a motor with
unbalanced weight, housing and a finger engaging retainer. Defining
the front of the motor as the end from which the shaft extends, the
batteries are situated to the rear of (behind) the motor. The
device transmits vibration through the finger to the gums.
[0010] U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,918,055 and 2,350,817 describe hand
massagers which attach to several fingers of the user. These
devices are powered via electric cords rather than by batteries.
These devices extend upwardly from the hand for several inches.
Both devices transmit vibration through the hands to impart
vibration to a subject during massage.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 2,286,089 describes a hand attachment means
for a vibrator. This device attaches to three fingers of a
hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A miniature sexual aid device of the invention comprises a
battery powered electric vibrator which attaches to the user's
finger. The sexual aid device includes a vibration motor, a button
cell battery, a moisture resistant housing that contains the motor
and battery, and a strap or ring for attaching the device to the
finger. The motor is mounted transversely and contiguously with the
battery. The device is no larger than some jewelry rings and may be
shaped, colored, and ornamented to be worn on the finger as
jewelry, i.e. generally shaped as a gem-bearing ring.
[0013] The preferably two part housing of the device is roughly
cylindrical in shape. In a preferred embodiment, rotating the upper
housing in relation to the lower housing operates an on-off switch
and, if rotated further, twists open the housing to provide access
to the battery. An alternative type of switch can be employed if
desired. The housing, exclusive of the retaining ring or strap,
preferably is smaller than a cylinder 0.75 inch in diameter and
0.75 inch high and weighs less than 0.5 ounce. The housing is
moisture resistant.
[0014] The retaining ring or strap may be offered in a variety of
fixed sizes or may be adjustable to fit a variety of finger sizes.
It may be sized to fit or adjustable to fit on another body
appendage, such as a penis or a tongue.
[0015] Accordingly several objects and advantages of the invention
are:
[0016] (a) to provide a vibrating sexual aid which attaches
comfortably to the finger;
[0017] (b) to provide a finger mounted vibrating sexual aid which
attaches securely to various size fingers;
[0018] (c) to provide a finger mounted vibrating sexual aid which
can be rotated on the finger so that the vibrating surface faces
either the palm side or the back side of the hand, and to provide a
finger mounted vibrating sexual aid which may be used to deliver
vibration both by direct application of the device or by
transmitting the vibration through the user's finger;
[0019] (d) to provide a finger mounted vibrating sexual aid which
may be fabricated and ornamented in such a way as to be worn as
jewelry in the appearance of a gem-bearing ring;
[0020] (e) to provide a miniature finger mounted vibrator which,
due to its small size, is amusing, unobtrusive and non-threatening,
and which causes minimal interference with normal movement of the
hand and fingers;
[0021] (f) to provide a miniature finger mounted vibrator which is
small enough that several may comfortably be worn on the same hand
and even on the same finger;
[0022] (g) to provide a finger mounted vibrating sexual aid which
vibrates strongly enough to be stimulating but not so strongly that
it causes numbing.
[0023] (h) to provide a vibrating device with the above features
and advantages and attachable to another appendage such as a penis
or a tongue.
[0024] Further objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and the ensuing
description.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention, with a closed finger ring.
[0026] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the invention,
with a closed finger ring, indicating assembly.
[0027] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view showing a
subassembly of a battery and a vibrator motor of a different type
from what is shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention showing
integral closed finger rings of various sizes.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention with
interchangeable closed finger rings of various diameters.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention, with an open
finger ring.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another embodiment,
with a flexible band to engage the finger or other appendage.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a detail of the FIG. 6
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment,
with another type of band.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a view showing the FIG. 8 embodiment engaged on a
body appendage.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another modified
embodiment, with a different form of ring band.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a double vibrator ring
embodiment and indicating a means of securement to a body
appendage.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another embodiment,
again with a different means of engagement, in this case a plastic
buckle essentially integral with the housing of the ring.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a cut-away sectional view in perspective showing
the ring of FIG. 12.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] FIG. 1 shows in perspective a preferred embodiment of a
vibrator ring 10. The exterior of the device is a moisture
resistant housing which separates into an upper or motor housing 11
and a lower or battery housing 12 (better seen in FIG. 2). The
upper housing and lower housing twist apart to enable battery
replacement and snap together to reassemble the device. A closed
finger ring or band 13 is permanently attached to the lower housing
12. ("Upper" and "lower" are only used for convenience of
description and not to imply particular orientation of the device
in use.) The housings can be referred to as first and second
housings, or first and second housing components, or the assembled
two housings can simply be referred to as a housing. Reference to
two housings includes construction wherein one "housing" is simply
a closure plate.
[0040] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vibrator. The
upper housing 11 contains a transversely mounted vibrator motor 29,
a negative battery contact 33, and a switch contact 37. The
position for the contact 33 is shown in dashed lines. A negative
motor wire 38 is connected to the negative battery contact 33 and a
positive motor wire 39 is connected to switch contact 37. The lower
battery housing 12 contains a battery 31 and a positive battery
contact 35. The positive battery contact 35 extends upward from the
battery housing 12 in such a way that it may touch the switch
contact 37 when the unit is assembled. Rotating the upper housing
11 in relation to the lower housing 12 powers the device on and
off. In this embodiment, the closed finger band 13 is integral with
the lower housing 12. The vibrator is attached to the hand by
inserting a finger through the closed band 13. When assembled, the
battery 31 is mounted alongside, rather than behind, the motor 29,
as shown in FIG. 2. The motor 29 resides in a recess (not shown) of
the upper housing 11, and the motor's negative contact 33 is in
direct contact with the battery when the device is assembled.
[0041] The vibrator motor 29 may be of a known type used in silent
pagers, usually known as a vibration motor or pager motor. For
example, the motor can be one identified as "cylindrical DC motor
of permanent magnet", Model OTL-6SL, manufactured by Jinlong
Machinery & Electronic co., Ltd. Of Yeuquing, Zhejiang, China.
This preferred cylindrical motor 29 is about 10 mm in length and
about 6 mm in diameter. Preferably the vibrator motor is less than
about 20 mm in length and less than about 10 mm in width or
diameter. Note that the motor can be of the flat, pancake shape of
pager motor if desired, oriented similarly to the battery. Such a
vibrator motor can be, for example, a pager motor from Tokyo Parts
Industries Corp., designated Type FM23, FM25, FM31, FM34, or FM29
depending on the battery used. FIG. 2A shows the subassembly of the
battery 31 and a pancake vibrator motor 29a in exploded view. The
two are to be assembled contiguously. In this case the upper
housing or ring crown 11 is modified accordingly.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing three instances of the
vibrator 10, each with a closed finger ring of a different
diameter. In this embodiment the closed ring is integral with the
lower housing. The leftmost ring is shown worn near the fingertip
with the housing facing toward the palm for delivering vibration by
direct application of the device. The middle and rightmost rings
are worn facing toward the back of the hand in a position suitable
for transmitting vibration through the user's finger.
[0043] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate various methods and implementations for
securing the vibrator to fingers or appendages of differing size.
Each of the methods has some advantage over the others and it is
foreseen that devices using each securing means as well as others,
may be commercially developed.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention with
interchangeable or snap-on finger rings 41 of various diameters.
FIG. 5 shows the invention with an open finger ring 43. The open
finger ring is formed from a resilient plastic which stretches open
for a larger finger and contracts to grasp a smaller finger.
[0045] In operation the user inserts a finger into the ring or
straps the device to the finger and powers the device on by
twisting the upper housing. Depending on how the user chooses to
use the device it may be positioned at the top, middle, or base of
the finger and may face inward or outward. Multiple rings may be
worn on the same hand and even on the same finger. The device can
be worn on other appendages of the body as well. Testing has shown
that a watch battery can power the device for a period of between
30 and 90 minutes depending on the storage capacity of the battery
and the power consumption of the motor.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a modified form of ring device 50, again having
a ring crown 52 similar to what is shown in the earlier drawings,
in the general shape and appearance of a gem-bearing finger ring.
The means of attachment to the body appendage is different in FIG.
6. The housing, which is generally identified as 54, and in
particular a lower housing 56 in the preferred embodiment wherein
two housings come together to make the ring crown 52, has a pair of
opposed brackets or ears 58 which support a flexible rubbery or
elastomeric band, preferably in the form of a flexible O-ring 60.
O-rings can be provided in various sizes, to fit over any of the
fingers or on other appendages of the body, such as on the tongue
or the penis. In this embodiment the O-ring comprises a complete
circle. FIG. 7 shows a detail of the manner in which the O-ring is
captured on the ring housing. The two wings or ears 58 have
openings 61 which allow the O-ring to be forced and compressed
through a narrow entryway and into a larger region of the opening
as shown. In this way, the O-ring is captured in position, with a
section of the O-ring extending under the bottom of the ring
housing in use.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing essentially the same
ring housing 54a, which can be identical to the ring housing 54 but
using a different form of flexible band 62. The wings 58 on this
embodiment of the housing can be identical to those shown in FIGS.
6 and 7, but in this case the openings in which the rubbery,
elastomeric band 62 are inserted could be more symmetrical if
desired (openings not specifically seen, occupied by band in FIG.
8). Here, the flexible band is similar to a truncated O-ring with
knobs at its two ends. Once the flexible band 62 is inserted onto
the wings 58 of the ring device, the knobs 64 prevent the band from
pulling through. These band components 62, shaped somewhat like
flexible barbells, can be provided in several different lengths for
fitting on different sizes of appendages.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a schematic elevation view showing a ring device
50a of the type shown in FIG. 8, as fitted on a body appendage 66.
The body appendage could be, for example, a finger, a penis or a
tongue. Note that the flexible band 62 can be selected in
appropriate length so as to be as tight or loose as desired for the
particular situation.
[0049] FIG. 10 shows another modified ring device 50b illustrating
another means of retention of the ring to the body appendage. In
this case a flexible band, a complete circle such as an elastomeric
O-ring 60a, is held in a double-looped fashion on the two wings or
ears 58a of the ring housing 54b. Each wing 58a is in the form of a
clip which pinches the O-ring as shown. The clip may be formed with
three projections 70 and 72, such that the O-ring is forced tightly
between the outer two projections 70 and the slightly displaced
middle projection 72. Again, the O-rings 60a can be provided in a
large number of different sizes for different sized users and for
different body appendages.
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates usage of two ring housings 54b to fit on
a single appendage. Here, a smaller O-ring 60b is used, connected
to the clips of the two ring housings as shown. When the two ring
housings are secured around the appendage, a similar O-ring will be
used to attach them together at their opposite sides.
[0051] FIGS. 12 and 13 show another similar ring device 50c which
can be similar in all respects to the above, except for the manner
of retention to the body appendage. Here, a plastic buckle 74 which
is essentially integral with the ring housing 54c, more preferably
with a lower housing shown at 76, has two straps 74a and 74b which
buckle together around the appendage. This plastic buckle device 74
can be a plastic which is flexible but which generally retains its
shape.
[0052] The sectional view of FIG. 13 shows that the plastic buckle
device 74 may be not technically integral with the lower housing
76, but rather secured to it by adhesion. Alternatively, the
plastic buckle device 74 may be of a different material from the
lower housing 76 but still co-molded such that the two components
are, in fact, integrally formed as a single piece after such
co-molding process. The sectional view of FIG. 13 shows the ring
housing empty, without the vibrator and battery components, for
purposes of clear illustration.
[0053] Accordingly, the miniature vibrator of this invention
provides a small, lightweight vibrator that attaches securely yet
comfortably to a finger or other body appendage such as a tongue or
penis. The vibrator is quick and easy to attach and detach, and
causes minimal interference with normal movement of the hand or
appendage. The vibrator's small size makes it unobtrusive and
non-threatening. The device may be used to deliver vibration both
by direct application of the device or by transmitting the
vibration through the user's finger or other appendage. It contains
few parts and may be inexpensively produced.
[0054] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope
of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
* * * * *